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‘I nonetheless have soccer goals’ and Luka Modric believes he could make them come true at San Siro. ‘Possibly I may’ve chosen a better means, go to leagues that aren’t that aggressive, however it isn’t me.’

The midfielder received all of it at Actual Madrid, together with six Champions League trophies, however determined that fairly than take the large wages in MLS or the Saudi Professional League, he would problem himself yet again in Serie A.

“That is undoubtedly the rationale why I’m nonetheless in search of new challenges, why I nonetheless wish to play at a excessive stage, a aggressive stage,”

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“I nonetheless have love for soccer, ardour and motivation for what I’m doing. Possibly I may’ve chosen a better method to go in another leagues that aren’t that aggressive, however it isn’t me. When I’m taking part in soccer, I wish to compete on the highest stage potential.

“After I see that it isn’t potential, then I’ll cease, however I nonetheless really feel actually good, I’ve ardour and motivation, so these are the explanations I’m right here.”

Modric signed a one-year contract with Milan, with the choice to increase, however he celebrates his fortieth birthday subsequent month, so can’t probably sustain the identical tempo.

“I wish to maintain doing what I’ve at all times executed in my profession, play my soccer, convey my expertise, successful mentality, and to be useful to my teammates in any facet that’s needed,” continued the midfielder.

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Milan a childhood dream for Modric

Luka Modric is formally a brand new Milan participant

It has been famous many instances that he grew up supporting Milan due to the presence of his hero, Croatian legend Zvonimir Boban, so DAZN confirmed a picture of Modric as a child with the Rossoneri jersey.

“The primary motive why I selected Milan is the dimensions of the membership, it is likely one of the greatest golf equipment on this planet. This picture is a pleasant reminiscence and it exhibits how Milan was common on the time, in Croatia particularly.

“I grew up watching Italian soccer and Milan was my favorite group, particularly as Zvonimir Boban performed there, who was my childhood idol. These are the explanation why I selected Milan.

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“The primary time I got here right here to signal the contract, you possibly can sense right away that this membership is particular. It has a particular aura, the organisation is on the prime, the folks, followers, stadium, every little thing is on the next stage and you’ll sense this greatness. It’s a membership that received seven titles in Europe, second solely to Actual Madrid, and that claims lots.”

A lot of Modric’s Actual Madrid profession was spent with Carlo Ancelotti, so did he ask the coach for recommendation on coming to Milan?

“I spoke with Carlo and he informed me solely one of the best issues about Milan. I knew it already, however when somebody like Carlo who was a participant and a coach right here tells you, you get a good higher notion in regards to the membership. In our conversations earlier than this, we might generally speak about Milan and he’d inform me nice issues.”

BARCELONA, SPAIN – MAY 11: Luka Modric of Actual Madrid CF appears to be like on in the course of the LaLiga match between FC Barcelona and Actual Madrid CF at Estadi Olimpic Lluis Companys on Could 11, 2025 in Barcelona, Spain. (Photograph by Alex Caparros/Getty Pictures)

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Modric received the Ballon d’Or and subsequently turns into the thirteenth winner of that trophy to put on the Milan jersey. Does he see himself as a legend?

“I choose to let others talk about how they see me. What I can say is that I’m actually glad and pleased with what I achieved in soccer. I achieved maybe much more than I anticipated, however I can’t say if I’m a legend. I choose to let others say that.”

, he stated that Milan can’t be content material with mediocrity.

“It was essential that the and introduced the sporting challenge. It exhibits how a lot they need you and admire you, in order that was essential for me to make this step and signal for Milan.

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“Milan didn’t have one of the best season, they completed eighth, so clearly qualification for the Champions League must be the minimal for us to realize. I wish to win trophies with Milan, that’s my purpose. We have to give every little thing and create sturdy togetherness, then every little thing will be simpler.”

epa12100655 Rafael Leao of Milan in the course of the Italian Cup remaining soccer match between AC Milan and Bologna FC in Rome, Italy, 14 Could 2025. EPA-EFE/FEDERICO PROIETTI

Rafael Leao is his new teammate at San Siro, somebody who Modric has confronted off towards earlier than.

“Positively, for me he’s a world class participant. Milan is glad to have these sorts of gamers. I performed towards him a number of instances, at membership and nationwide stage, and right away you are feeling the type of participant he’s.”

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On the eve of his fortieth birthday, it’s fairly a shift for Modric to go from over a decade at Actual Madrid to this new expertise in Serie A.

“I performed many instances towards Italian sides and you possibly can see how a lot high quality they’ve, they’re well-organised, compete very well. This can be a problem to adapt as rapidly as potential, to see what the coach asks of me, the place he sees me.”

There may be one fixture he’s trying ahead to already, and that’s the Derby della Madonnina, with fellow Croatian Petar Sucic within the Inter jersey.

“I used to look at lots of derbies with Milan towards Inter and I can’t wait, as a result of these are one of the best video games to play. I’ll see Sucic on the pitch, he has an important future forward of him, has already proven he’s proficient for the nationwide group and Dinamo Zagreb. I want him all one of the best, simply not towards us!”

TOPSHOT – Croatia’s midfielder #10 Luka Modric reacts in the course of the UEFA Euro 2024 Group B soccer match between Croatia and Albania on the Volksparkstadion in Hamburg on June 19, 2024. (Photograph by Ronny HARTMANN / AFP) (Photograph by RONNY HARTMANN/AFP through Getty Pictures)

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Modric was requested for the key behind his unbelievable longevity.

“Everybody asks me that, however there isn’t any secret. It’s simply love for the sport, the fervour that I nonetheless have, and naturally weight loss program, coaching routine. I stay for soccer 24 hours a day, and perhaps that’s why I’m nonetheless competing at this stage,” he replied.

“I nonetheless have soccer goals and that’s why I got here to Milan. It’s a childhood dream, now I’m right here, I wish to win trophies with Milan.

“I really like for soccer and revel in it, however household is primary, they’re my on a regular basis focus.”